Costa Rica extradites two alleged drug traffickers to the United States

extradition drug trafficking Macho Coca DEA Costa Rica

Costa Rica has extradited two alleged drug traffickers, Gilbert Bell Fernandez (alias Macho Coca) and Gabriel Lozano Bonilla (alias Compadre), to the United States. Both men are scheduled to face trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on charges related to international drug trafficking.

Bell Fernandez, 62, was identified by U.S. authorities as a key figure in transforming Costa Rica into a major narcotics transit hub. Lozano Bonilla, a Colombian national who obtained Costa Rican citizenship, is accused of using the country as a transit point for cocaine moving from South America to northern markets. The operation was conducted with the cooperation of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Prior to his departure, Bell Fernandez alleged he had suffered torture and extreme conditions during his incarceration in Costa Rica, stating he felt relieved to be extradited. The extradition was made possible following 2025 legislation in Costa Rica allowing the extradition of citizens for drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as diplomatic guarantees from the U.S. regarding his treatment and sentence limits.

Entities

Carlo Díaz · Costa Rica · Drug Enforcement Administration · Gabriel Lozano Bonilla · Gilbert Bell Fernández · Organismo de Investigación Judicial · Southern District of New York · United States · United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Gilbert Bell Fernandez claimed he faced extreme conditions and potential death while in Costa Rican custody. elmundo.cr · www.monumental.co.cr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.ertnews.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Costa Rica approved legislation in 2025 allowing the extradition of its citizens for drug trafficking or terrorism charges. mix929.com · wdez.com · wixx.com
[● 4 SOURCES] U.S. authorities identified Bell Fernandez as having a significant role in turning Costa Rica into a major narcotics transit hub. mix929.com · www.tn23.tv · wdez.com · wixx.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The extraditions resulted from cooperation between Costa Rican and international authorities. mix929.com · www.tn23.tv · delfino.cr · wdez.com · wixx.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The extradition of Bell Fernandez was facilitated after the U.S. provided guarantees regarding his treatment and sentence limits. elguardian.cr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The suspects were transported via a DEA aircraft, making a stop in the Bahamas during the flight to New York. www.lateja.cr
[● 9 SOURCES] Both suspects are facing charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York related to international drug trafficking. herediahoy.com · mix929.com · www.tn23.tv · delfino.cr · wdez.com · +4 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Costa Rica extradited Gilbert Bell Fernandez, alias Macho Coca, and Gabriel Lozano Bonilla, alias Compadre, to the United States. mix929.com · www.tn23.tv · delfino.cr · herediahoy.com · wdez.com · +5 more